.204 Ruger Enthusiasts

[McLernon]

Looking for more advise on loading for the .204 Ruger. Haven't reveived my dies yet but got 32 and 40 gr. Vmax bullets. I plan to start with H335, but where I'll end up who knows as there seems to be a wide variety of choices. I would like to see if there is some consensus so please post your favorite recipe and any range reports. Thanks

McLernon

[steve4102]

  Here you go.
http://www.204ruger.com/

 

[sparkyc2]

Love the 204....it's great!  27.8 g H335, 32 g Vmax is a good combo in my handi and CZ.   Use with discretion.

[Chuck White]

The following is the result of testing my 26 inch TC Encore!

Date:       April
Temp ..... 44 deg F.
Barrel .... 26 inch TC Factory barrel
Case ...... Hornady
Bullet ..... 32 grain Hornady V-Max
Primer ... CCI 450
Powder .. 23.0 grains IMR 4198
O.A.L. .... 2.265 inches
 
3-Shot muzzle velocity average .. 4125 fps @20 ft!
3-Shot group center to center ..... .330 inches @100 Yds

I bought 32 grain Hornady factory ammo and used the once-fired brass for my reloads!
NOTE: I was getting 3/8 inch groups with the factory 32 grain ammo! I was surprised and pleased!
I tried some 40 grain factory ammo and the best I could get was a 5-6 inch group and the bullets all keyholed!

[McLernon]

Thanks for the responses!!

McLernon

[Catfish]

My CZ love the Serria bullets, especially the 32 gn. bullets. They are an excellant groundhog bullet but to thin shinned for coyote. The Hornady buttets have a much thicker jacket, .014 to Serrias .009, and would be better suited to coyotes if your gun will shoot them.

[skb2706]

My favorite

max load of RL-15
CCI BR-4 primer
32 gr. Sierra BK
Hornady case once fired

[Ifishsum]

Use thicker cup primers like CCI BR-4 or 450s to avoid premature pressure signs.  I like Hodgdon's BL-C(2) and Varget powders the best so far and my Savage 12FV seems to shoot the 39-40gr pills better than the 32-35s. and it likes them right near max. 

[ricciardelli]

http://stevespages.com/204_2.html